June 30, 2012

More Anthropologie at Gabes


I stopped at the Greensburg Gabriel Brothers after being there for work this week and found a few racks of Anthropologie tops, pants, jumpsuits, and misc. Free People items. Sadly there weren't many dresses but there were quite a few cardigans and blouses. Now I want to check out the Pittsburgh area stores to see what they've received recently! Any other Pittsburgh or SWPA shoppers spot any "Anthopology" racks at their local Gabes?

June 28, 2012

Melora Dress review

Anthropologie Melora

I tried this beautiful Moulinette Souers dress, called Melora, in a 10 and it fit my thicker-than-usual figure well. Plenty of hip, waist, and bust room! I'd say this runs true and perhaps slightly large to size. I just love the beautiful back detail. It is lined and the back detail might cause some issues for specific types of bras (as you can see in the second detail shot). I appreciate the slightly lower price point for a full price Anthro dress. But I didn't buy it myself. As Roxy pointed out in her review, it is a printed version of the Sweet Enticement dress, available for the same price as Melora. That is good news if you prefer a solid color or are not a fan of bright yellow. Overall I think this dress is a win and would buy it if I was sure it would fit me in the coming weeks. What do you think?

Swimsuit Shopping Simply Yours


Finding a bathing suit that will accommodate my changing body has been challenging. After being spoiled by my Triumph bikinis that are sized like bras, I really hate to wear anything that lacks underwire (whether it is a tankini, full suit, or a bikini top). The support makes such a difference! So I've been on the hunt for sites that offer bathing suits sized like bras, with similar support structures. Again I'm finding that the retail landscape of the UK offers many more shopping options than the US when it comes to supportive undergarments in extended cup and band sizes. I love the above swimsuit options from Simply Yours. While I was browsing the site, I also found some cute retro looking slips and body shaping underwear, which I imagine I might want for post-partum times.

June 27, 2012

Graduation Day



My little sister graduated college this semester and I couldn't be prouder! I wore a Kate Spade dress (that thankfully still fit then!) with a cardigan. And we had some lovely family time together in SWPA. Katie changed when we got back to my folks' house. I didn't plan enough to bring along something more comfy for myself. It was a long but happy day. And for Katie, I imagine it was bittersweet.

I remember vividly how I felt when I finished undergrad. Panic is probably the best and most honest word to describe it. I know it is a happy moment for one's loved ones but with all the uncertainty and impending transition involved, it's difficult to be so confident and happy. Graduates are facing so much upheaval in their lives. And the news reports don't offer much optimism. I am certain Katie will land on her feet, as she is smart, hard-working, organized, and passionate about her career. But that doesn't mean that the next few weeks and possibly months will not be fraught with their own challenges. Good luck to graduates everywhere who are facing similar circumstances and impending transitions!

In very sad news, the world lost the genius and humor of Nora Ephron yesterday. It seems fitting to share the commencement address she delivered in the 90s to her alma mater. Considering the current political climate, this quote (with all its 90s-specific references) stood out for me:

Don't underestimate how much antagonism there is toward women and how many people wish we could turn the clock back. One of the things people always say to you if you get upset is, don't take it personally, but listen hard to what's going on and, please, I beg you, take it personally. Understand: every attack on Hillary Clinton for not knowing her place is an attack on you. Underneath almost all those attacks are the words: get back, get back to where you once belonged. When Elizabeth Dole pretends that she isn't serious about her career, that is an attack on you. The acquittal of O.J. Simpson is an attack on you. Any move to limit abortion rights is an attack on you -- whether or not you believe in abortion. The fact that Clarence Thomas is sitting on the Supreme Court today is an attack on you.

My introduction to Ephron came through her hilarious and heart-string tugging rom-coms. But it is important to remember that she was also a significant figure in the feminist movement. RIP.

June 26, 2012

Family time OOTD

anthropologie dress 
fluttering flora dress

One of my favorite things about this time of year is that it usually involves a lot of catching up time with relatives. Between graduation parties, birthdays, and regular summer holidays, Chris and I spend a lot of time in the car shuttling between our folks' places and eating lots of delicious foods. We're lucky to live near our families but because we have three sets of parents it can be challenging to divide the time evenly and coordinate everyone's schedules.

I wore this outfit to go home and celebrate my dad's birthday. I've also worn it to shop with my mother-in-law for some transitional (stretchy) clothing. It's been my outfit for numerous doctor and dentist appointments. Honestly, it's become a go-to "nice" outfit so I've worn a bunch. It fits comfortably, looks pulled together enough, and still feels very me. I was lucky to find an ebay link to the dress in the Effortless Anthro trade market. It is still full price on the Anthropologie website. I  bought it in a size up from what I would wear pre-pregnancy and now I have something that is cute that will grow with me a little this summer. I might even grab it in ivory!

Can you spot the bonus Speck behind?
fluttering flora dress

Outfit details: 
Anthropologie's Fluttering Flora dress
Anthropologie's Cartography cardigan (cool map print tee here; similar cardi here)
Gucci wedges (budget similar on sale here and here)
Vintage initial necklace

Hypothetically Shopping Simply Be




Because I've been shopping for my transitioning body, I've started looking all over for cute curvy ladies' clothing. I gravitate toward prints and shapes that will fit my growing belly while still fitting my overall personal style. While hunting, I found these adorable pieces from Simply Be and with so many of them discounted for the semi-annual sale, I am eager to make an order. I like that the company sells extended sizes but also includes straight size 10 and up. On the US site right now they also have a code for 30% off the first order for new customers (code 3692)!

June 24, 2012

Recent Dressing Room OOTD


Believe it or not, and despite the recent heat wave, no so long ago it was cool enough to wear this ensemble in the evening to my local Anthropologie. I'm already getting to the point where the largest and loosest of my regular pants are tight and uncomfy. I guess I will not be one of those pregnant ladies who is all and only belly?

Details:
Anthropologie top (from many years ago so I have no idea what the name is)
Splendid lightweight drapey cardi (similar here and here)
J. Crew matchstick cords (thank god for the rubber band/hair tie trick with the buttons!)
ChloƩ flats (this season's version; cute and budget similar)
Kate Spade Bon Shopper in the "Journal" newspaper print (clever travel mag edition on sale here)

June 22, 2012

Speaking of Sale on Sale: Kate Spade Deals!



I don't like to do two sale posts in a row but I cannot not pass on this potential deal. This morning Kate Spade put their sale on sale (extra 25% off, prices as marked, no coupon required). For example, the tennis ball Bon Shopper is now $66.

If you have a "new email subscriber" 15% off coupon, it stacks on most of the items from sale. You can also shop through ebates to get 3.5% cash back! Happy Shopping!

June 21, 2012

Yoox Anniversary Coupon Puts the Sale on Sale!



Yoox is celebrating its 12th anniversary with a 20% off coupon code that can be applied to the entire website. For me, this means the sale is on sale since I love when you can stack discounts! Use code HAPPYBIRTHDAY@YOOX now through June 22nd, 2012 for 20% off. Above are my favorite picks that are already marked down from Marni, MBMJ, DVF, See by ChloƩ, Valentino Red, and more. Happy shopping!

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